Banded for 3 years and struggling with reflux

[CAROLYNFC 24]

I had my barrium swollow and it was found that I have a hernia and my esphogus is draining slowly. I am scheduled for hernia surgery on April 14th if my insurance approves it. My insurance does not cover my band. My band will have to be undone to fix hernia and then put back. That may be the sticking point for my insurance. What is happening every time I have a little Fluid put in band it is pushing my hernia up in my throat farther. I will let you know insurance decision.

[vapetlover 2]

Well, at least now you know where you stand. I think I would fight the insurance company on that, since the removal and (re)placement of the band was due to a condition that IS covered. My dr. removed the last cc. of saline and all the reflux went away! What a relief. I had an upper GI on Friday, and haven't got the results yet. They sure took a lot of pictures, tho.....standing lying down, etc. I hope to get some results tomorrow.

[Melodie Mauro Faulkner 1]

I have had my band for about 8 yrs, and gained my weight back, I havent had a fill in about 4 years and I am suffering terribly with acid reflux and coughing at night, not able to sleep and throwing up. I am trying to get into my doctor (not my lap band doctor) to see if a gastro surgen can remove my band. Does anyone know if another doctor beside the lap band can remove the band.

[slikchik10 85]

I have had my band for about 8 yrs, and gained my weight back, I havent had a fill in about 4 years and I am suffering terribly with acid reflux and coughing at night, not able to sleep and throwing up. I am trying to get into my doctor (not my lap band doctor) to see if a gastro surgen can remove my band. Does anyone know if another doctor beside the lap band can remove the band.

Yup, I had a COMPLETELY different Dr. & insurance with my revision surgery. This group was WAY better as a whole. I had to go through the whole pre-op process again to get a revision, but I'm sure it depends on your HMO. Good luck, it CAN be better.

[vapetlover 2]

If you are not happy with the job the surgeon did, by all means, call another gastroenterologist and ask if they do revisions. I was reluctant to go back to my original Dr. b/c I had gained some weight back, but so far, I'm glad I did. If you do change, be sure to request that the original dr's office send copies of your file to your new dr.

[CAROLYNFC 24]

Well here is another follow up. I am scheduled for a hernia repair on April 14th. They are going to unhook my lap band and then repair hernia and rehook my band. The problem I have been having is that when band was tightened it cause the hernia to rise farther in the esphagus. I am looking forward to surgery.( As weird as that may sound) I can't wait to have my band work properly for me again. I have had good success with my band. Of course with no Fluid in my band I am gaining weight. I am treating this just like I did when I was first banded.

[CAROLYNFC 24]

Well it turns out I had an enoumous hernia (Doctors words). They had to put in mesh to hold it. I did get to keep my lap band. Which was repositioned while they were in there. Today makes a week recovering and it has been a hard recovery. I haven't bounced back like I did from lap band surgery. I have had no reflux this pass week which is fantastic. While in surgery another Doctor was called in to see what the best option for hernia repair. So happy I am headed in the right direction!!